Jobless number down in Rotherham

THE number of people unemployed in the Rotherham area has fallen again, according to new government figures (June 17).

The number of people claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance in Rotherham – which includes Maltby, Dinnington and Mexborough – has dropped by 1,939 on this time last year to 4,601.

For people aged 18-24 there are 1,060 people on Jobseeker’s Allowance, a fall of 665 or 39 per cent from last year.

Nationally, the number of people out of work between February and April fell by 43,000 to 1.81 million and the jobless rate is 5.5 per cent.

Wage rises increased by 2.7 per cent, the fastest rate since August 2011.

The national employment rate for women is at a record high of 68.6 per cent.

Nigel Coleman, of Jobcentre Plus, said that the job situation in Rotherham is positive.

He said: “Week after week it seems to get madder and madder and madder. I am not seeing any relaxation is anything anywhere. We are all running around at the moment trying to fulfil employers’ needs.

“It’s all very encouraging.”

Mr Coleman said that significant employment opportunities have arisen at Edexcel, Greencore, Parseq and Hungry Horse, amongst others, and new stores opening at Aldwarke and Parkgate should be taking on staff in the near future.

He said that Christmas jobs at Meadowhall will be offered soon and that Rotherham Borough Council is running an adult social care event on June 30 at the New York Stadium which will promote work opportunities.

More information on local vacancies is available at Rotherham Jobcentre.

Mr Coleman said that Rotherham has shared the trend of Yorkshire and Humber having a higher employment rate for women than the capital.

He said: “The female employment rate is significantly higher here than in London.”

Mr Coleman said this could be partly explained by many firms offering flexible working patterns which appealed to some women.

Employment minister Priti Patel said: “Today’s figures confirm that our long-term economic plan is already starting to deliver a better, more prosperous future for the whole of the country, with wages rising, more people finding jobs and more women in work than ever before.